In this edition of 5 Minutes With interview series we speak to Fairouz Grzyb, Business Development Manager at RCP London Events, about how heritage venues are adapting to shifting client budgets, rising sustainability expectations and evolving delegate demands…
Tell us about your venue, products and services
RCP London Events is an award-winning conference and event venue set within the Royal College of Physicians’ headquarters in Regent’s Park. We host over 350 events every year, including conferences, meetings, training sessions, summer parties and dinners, thanks to the unique diversity and flexibility of our event spaces.
The building housing our venue was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and is recognised as one of London’s post-WWII most renowned brutalist masterpieces. However, our spaces blend modernity with the RCP’s 500-year-old heritage, offering a unique contrast that event organisers appreciate. Every space here tells a story.
We are also a registered charity, meaning that all profits from venue hire go directly towards supporting the RCP in advancing medical education and improving patient care across the UK.
What are the biggest challenges the events industry and venues in particular have faced in 2025?
I think one of the key challenges we have been facing is related to budgets. In 2025, it became apparent that client budgets don’t always align with rising costs. Organisers are understandably more cautious with spend, while as a venue, we’re also seeing our own operational costs increase. As a result, many clients are looking for greater flexibility in contracts and are sometimes holding back on decisions due to budget constraints.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
Cautious spending is pushing event organisers to come up with creative ways to create memorable experiences delegates feel worthy of their time. From a venue perspective, this also pushes us to constantly innovate, review our services and improve customer relationships. We are definitely building stronger relationships with our clients, often covering a consultative role rather than simply providing a service.
Looking specifically at RCP London Events, our biggest opportunity was the refurbishment of our Wolfson Theatre as a premium, modern auditorium for high-profile conferences and keynote events. Every element of the refurbishment was carefully selected to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the delegate experience. The theatre now features carpets made from Econyl yarn, a material crafted from recovered fishing nets. In addition to its sustainable approach, the redesign of the Wolfson Theatre places a strong emphasis on accessibility, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. The refurbishment strengthens our sustainability credentials, appealing to more conscious and inclusive event organisers.
What is the biggest priority for the Events industry this year?
I believe the main priority for the industry is sustainability: clients are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their events and are actively looking for venues that can support more responsible experiences. While this can be more challenging for venues like RCP London Events due to our building being Grade I listed – we have to work within strict conservation guidelines, which means we can’t always make structural changes in the same way as modern venues – this pushes us to be more creative and considered in how we operate. We focus on areas such as energy efficiency where possible, waste reduction, responsible sourcing and working closely with suppliers to minimise environmental impact. It’s about making meaningful progress while respecting the heritage of the buildings.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in 2026?
Flexible, agile events remain a key trend, with clients expecting venues to offer responsible options as standard.
We’re also seeing a strong trend towards elevated non-alcoholic drinks and it’s something we actively support at RCP London Events.
Our catering offering reflects that shift, with thoughtfully designed mocktails, botanical and sparkling options and alcohol-free drinks that focus on flavour, presentation, and experience. It’s about inclusivity and choice, making sure all guests feel catered for while maintaining the same high standards across the bar.
Let’s talk about summer. Why should organisations still host corporate summer parties?
Summer parties are a simple way to thank employees, celebrate achievements and make people feel valued. With many people working remotely, teams don’t naturally connect the way they used to. Summer parties create a relaxed, social space to catch up, build stronger relationships and reconnect as a team. They help reinforce company culture, show appreciation and ultimately improve engagement and motivation.
What should organisers look for when choosing a venue for their summer events?
Organisers should look for a venue that’s accessible, flexible and designed to bring people together. Outdoor space or natural light is especially important in summer, as it creates a relaxed atmosphere and encourages social interaction.
They should also look for a venue where the staff can offer support to the organisers so they can focus on their guests and enjoy the party.
We know entertainment now plays a key role in events. What can event venues like RCP London Events do to ensure clients and delegates alike feel truly engaged?
Once again, I believe it all comes down to being innovative and pushing the boundaries within which we operate.
At RCP London Events, we do this in two ways. Firstly, we focus on what makes us unique. We rely on storytelling to bring to life the centennial heritage of our organisation, working closely with our Museum and Garden teams to offer private tours of our heritage collections and Medicinal Garden, as well as history and architecture talks.
Secondly, we explore new ways of working with our spaces. Technology can play a vital role in creating a more entertaining, engaging environment. For example, we have recently launched immersive projection experiences in our auditoriums and main conference spaces, allowing organisers to bring their brands to life and capture the attention of their delegates from start to finish.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Events sector?
Over the past 3 years, I realised how collaborative the events sector truly is – even between competitors. There’s a real openness when it comes to sharing knowledge, market insights and sometimes even indicative rates. That level of transparency helps the industry stay resilient, set realistic expectations with clients and support one another through challenging market conditions.
The way the sector responded during COVID, pivoting almost overnight to new formats, safety measures and ways of connecting people, was remarkable. That resilience has continued, with the industry constantly evolving to meet new challenges while still delivering meaningful, high-quality experiences.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Meeting new people and reconnecting with industry peers, particularly at trade shows, where the energy and collaboration are at their best.
And what’s the most challenging?
The most challenging part is balancing client expectations with real-world constraints. Budgets are tighter, lead times can be shorter and as a venue we’re also managing rising operational costs and the limitations that come with working in a Grade I listed building. The challenge is finding solutions that work for everyone.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always be professional and kind; the events industry is small and people remember how you work and how you leave a company.
